SZIA – Szeged International Airshow – having a picnic at the airport
We found out about the first edition of the Szeged Air Show in 2016 by pure chance. The location was a mere 200 km from our hometown, so we took advantage of the opportunity.
Organized at Szeged Airport, usually in the middle of September, this event becomes more and more interesting each year. Many planes, helicopters, skydivers, hot air balloons, and all kinds of flying machines can be seen on the ground and in the air from dawn to dusk. The first part of the SZIA – Szeged International Airshow ends at noon when the flight crews take a little break. But not to worry, there is plenty to do. You can visit the vintage cars exhibition or the aircraft’s static display. If this is not your thing, you can always enjoy the Hungarian culinary experience. In fact, this is the idea around which the entire event is wrapped – a big picnic at the airport. On the other hand, if you prefer a different kind of experience, there is always the possibility of booking a flight – you can choose from the “old-timer” Liusinov Li-2 for a lovely view of Szeged from above or the more daring Antonov An-2. Still, if you are keen on adrenaline or testing your courage, I encourage you to opt for the Mil Mi-2. This helicopter will put your stomach to a serious test.
Until 2019 the airshow was held under the name Szeged Aviation Days & Air Parade/ Szegedi Repülőnapok & Légiparádé. Since 2020 the event has been renamed SZIA – Szeged International Airshow.
SZIA – Szeged International Airshow – 2016
The first edition of SZIA – Szeged International Airshow. As for the aviation presence, we had many flights from morning till evening. Hot air balloons, airplanes, helicopters, and gliders, ULM’s such as Antonov An-2, Liusinov Li-2, Zlin 326M, G164A AG CAT, L-29 Delfin, MiL Mi-2, Kamov Ka-26. On aerobatics, we had Tamas Abranyi flying XtremeAir Xtreme 3000 and Peter Besenyi flying Corvus CA-41 Racer. The Pioneer Team aerobatics team was also present with their Pioneer 300.
SZIA – Szeged International Airshow – 2017
The 2017 edition was more special because it was the first year we flew an aircraft participating in the SZIA – Szeged International Airshow, namely Liusinov Li-2. It’s a plane that flies beautifully, smoothly, and without thrills. Also, in 2017 the Retro Sky Team and Hawks of Romania flew at the SZIA – Szeged International Airshow. Other participating aircraft were Polikarpov Po-2, Antonov An-2, Yak-52, Let Z-37T Agro Turbo, Zlin 326M, and gliders MDM-1 Fox and Schempp-Hirth Janus B.
SZIA – Szeged International Airshow – 2019
The 2019 edition of the SZIA – Szeged International Airshow took place on September 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2019. We participated on the 14th when most of the flights took place. In terms of aviation presence, there were about 35 to 40 aircraft: The Flying Bulls with Lockheed P-38 Lighting, Chance Vougt F4U-4 Corsair, North American B-25J Mitchell, North American T-28 Trojan; three Antonov An-2 from Hungary, Poland, and Romania; Zlin Z-37 Cmelak; Yak-52, Liusinov Li-2; Zlin Z-242; OV-10B – Bronco Team; McDonnell Douglas MD-902 Explorer II; Mil Mi-17 from Szolnok; L-29 Delfin – Komo Sky Team; Dr. Martin Graf (Germany) with Extra 300; and Johan Gustafson with SZD-59 ACRO glider; ULM’s.
SZIA – Szeged International Airshow
During each edition, the organizers of SZIA – Szeged International Airshow have tried to bring something new to the airshow. This is one of the reasons why this airshow will become one of the biggest and most attractive in this part of Europe.
We have not participated in all SZIA – Szeged International Airshow editions. We would have wished for this, but it was impossible in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. But we know for sure that it is worth the effort of a trip to Szeged. Especially if you are passionate about aviation photography or spotting, SZIA – Szeged International Airshow will undoubtedly meet your expectations.
